Toggle navigation
330 West Pennsylvania Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387(910) 695-3334
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Yelp

Request an Appointment

 

  • Home
  • Our Team
    • Meet Dr. Monroe
    • Meet Our Team
  • Office
  • Services
    • DIAGNOdent
    • Lumineers
    • Sleep Apnea
    • Snoring Prevention
    • Teeth Whitening
    • ZOOM!®
    • Mouthguards
    • Invisalign
  • General Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
    • Crowns & Bridgework
    • Fillings
    • Gummy Smiles
    • Inlays & Onlays
    • Mouthguards for Adults
    • Mouthguards for Children
    • Nitrous Oxide
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Removable Dentures
    • Smile Makeover
    • Snoring & Sleep Apnea
    • Teeth Whitening
    • TMD
    • Tooth-Colored Fillings
    • Tooth Contouring & Reshaping
    • Tooth Decay Prevention
    • Tooth Wear
  • New Patients
    • Office Visits
    • Financial Information
    • New Patient Forms
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request

Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most

  • Blog Home
  • Dental+Procedures
  • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most

Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most

By Edward C. Monroe DDS PA
December 27, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   wisdom teeth  
NeilPatrickHarrisWhattheOscarsHostTreasuresMost

A few days before the Oscars, Vanity Fair magazine asked Academy Awards host Neil Patrick Harris to name his most treasured possession. Was it his Tony award statuette for best leading actor in a musical? His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? The stethoscope he wore while playing teenaged doctor Doogie Howser on TV? No, as it turns out, the 41-year-old actor’s most treasured possession is… his wisdom teeth. Yes, you read that correctly. “Oddly, I still have my four wisdom teeth,” Harris said. “I refuse to let them go or I’ll lose my wise parts.”

How odd is it for a 41-year-old to have wisdom teeth? Actually, not that odd at all. While it is true that wisdom teeth are often removed, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this. It all depends on whether they are causing problems now, or are likely to cause problems in the future.

The trouble wisdom teeth cause is related to the fact that they are the last molars to come in, and that molars are large in size. By the time wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17 and 21, there often is not enough room for them in the jaw. Sometimes it’s because you may have inherited a jaw size that’s too small for your tooth size; and generally speaking, the size of the human jaw has evolved to become smaller over time.

If room is lacking, the adjacent molar (that came in earlier) can interfere with the path of eruption — causing the wisdom tooth to come in at an odd angle. The wisdom tooth can hit up against that other tooth, possibly causing pain or damaging the adjacent tooth. This is known as “impaction.” Sometimes the wisdom tooth breaks only partway through the gum tissue, leaving a space beneath the gum line that’s almost impossible to clean, causing infection. A serious oral infection can jeopardize the survival of teeth, and even spread to other parts of the body.

If a wisdom tooth is impacted, will you know it? Not necessarily. A tooth can be impacted without causing pain. But we can see the position of your wisdom teeth on a dental x-ray and help you make an informed decision as to whether they should stay or go. If removal is the best course of action, rest assured that this procedure is completely routine and that your comfort and safety is our highest priority. If there is no great risk to keeping them, as Neil Patrick Harris has done, we can simply continue to monitor their condition at your regular dental checkups. It will be particularly important to make sure you are reaching those teeth with your brush and floss, and that you keep to your schedule of regular professional cleanings at the dental office. All healthy teeth are indeed worth treasuring.

If you would like more information about wisdom teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Wisdom Teeth” and “Removing Wisdom Teeth.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Comments:






Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (3)
        • Kevin Bacon's Mango-Slicing Trick and Other Ways to Rid Food Between Your Teeth
        • Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
        • Two Major Causes for Implant Failure and How You Can Prevent Them
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • This Odd Tongue Condition Isn't Something To Fret Over
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • Smoking Could Increase the Risk of an Implant Failure
      • November (3)
        • The Kind of Tooth Pain You Have May Identify the True Problem
        • Although Challenging, Cleaning Around Implants Boosts Their Longevity
        • Porcelain Veneers Transform Real Housewives Star's Smile Spoiled by Teeth Grinding
      • October (3)
        • Today's Dentures Are More Secure and Comfortable to Wear
        • Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
      • September (3)
        • The Howie Mandel Effect: Avoid Dental Disease Through Daily Brushing and Flossing
        • Lingual Braces Might be a Better Fit for Your Active Lifestyle
        • Addressing Risk Factors: Taking the Fight Against Tooth Decay to a New Level
      • August (3)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • How AFV's Alfonso Ribeiro Saved His Tooth
        • Interceptive Orthodontics: Stopping Poor Bites Before They Develop
      • July (3)
        • Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
        • Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
      • June (3)
        • If a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
        • How to Protect Dental Health in the Later Years of Life
        • Here's the Scoop on Your Upcoming Root Canal
      • May (3)
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • Sedation Therapy Can Help Anxious Patients Get the Dental Care They Need
        • Friendly Bacteria Can Help Protect Our Mouths From Disease
      • April (3)
        • Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
        • Stop Bite Problems Early With Interceptive Orthodontics
      • March (4)
        • Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
        • A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Give Your Child Added Protection Against Cavities With Topical Fluoride
      • February (2)
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
        • See Your Dentist to Find out the Real Cause for Your Tooth Pain
      • January (4)
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Do You Have Adequate Bone to Support an Implant?
        • Veneers May Not Be the Best Option for Your Teenager's Teeth
        • Certain Osteoporosis Drugs Could Pose a Future Risk to Your Dental Health
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • A Root Canal Treatment Will Improve Your Health, Not Harm It
        • Here's How We Can Jazz up Your Holiday Smile This Season
      • November (3)
        • For a Smooth Transition, Be Sure Your New Dentist Has Your Dental Records
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
        • Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
      • October (3)
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
        • These Popular Drinks Could Put Your Enamel in Danger of Erosion
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • September (3)
        • If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
        • 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
        • Dental Sealants Give Children an Added Boost Against Tooth Decay
      • August (3)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
        • Preventing Decay in Primary Teeth Promises Better Health Now and Later
      • July (3)
        • Anchorage Tools Help Orthodontists Correct Complex Bite Problems
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
      • June (3)
        • Improve Your Dental Health by Mastering Your Brushing Skills
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
      • May (3)
        • Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
        • You Might Avoid a Root Canal with This Tooth-Saving Procedure
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
      • April (3)
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • A Minor Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby
        • April Is National Facial Protection Month
      • March (3)
        • A Dental Exam Could Uncover an Eating Disorder
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Your Age Doesn't Have to Keep You from a Straighter Smile
      • February (3)
        • Take Care of Your Gums, Take Care of Your Heart
        • We may Need to Build up the Bone in Your Jaw before Implants
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
      • January (3)
        • Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
        • 3 Ways Orthodontic Techniques Could Prevent a Poor Bite
        • Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Lasers Could be the Future for Gum Disease Treatment
        • Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
      • October (3)
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • Dental Implants can also Support Other Traditional Restorations
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • September (3)
        • Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
        • Correcting a Poor Bite Improves Dental Health as Well as Smile Appearance
        • Keep Up Good Dental Habits in College to Protect Your Teeth and Gums
      • August (3)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
      • July (3)
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Get Your Vitamins the Natural Way for Optimum Dental Health
      • June (3)
        • Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
        • Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • May (4)
        • Replace Teeth for Better Speech
        • 3 Possible Timing Scenarios for Getting Your New Implant
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • April (2)
        • Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
        • Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
      • March (3)
        • Why the Bottled Variety Might not be Your Best Choice for Clean Drinking Water
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • It's Spring Cleaning Time...for Your Teeth!
      • February (2)
        • Although a Challenge, Chronically Ill Children Need Tooth Decay Prevention
        • Get Ahead of Bite Problems with Interceptive Orthodontics
      • January (2)
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Gum Disease can Prevent Your Gums from Protecting Your Teeth
        • Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
      • November (2)
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • An Early Orthodontic Evaluation May Alert to Developing Bite Problems
      • October (2)
        • Sedation During Dental Visits can Reduce Anxiety
        • These 3 Tasks Show How Saliva is Amazing
      • September (2)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Know Your Toothpaste: How to Simplify Your Purchasing Decision
      • August (3)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • July (2)
        • Good Bone Health Essential for Obtaining 'Teeth in One Day' Implants
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • June (2)
        • For Your Teeth's Sake, Exercise Caution Consuming Energy or Sports Drinks
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • May (2)
        • Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • April (2)
        • Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
      • March (2)
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • February (3)
        • Don't Put Off Getting Treatment for Your Sensitive Teeth
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • With Proper Care, you can Lower Your Risk of Tooth Loss as You Age
      • January (2)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Keep Ahead of Potential Sidetracks to Your Child's Oral Health
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
      • November (3)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • Stop White Spots Before They Appear While Wearing Braces
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
      • October (2)
        • Not All Crowns are Alike. Know the Differences to Get the Look you Want
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • September (2)
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • August (2)
        • Ease Your Child's Discomfort During Teething
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • July (3)
        • Don't Forget Hidden Fluoride Sources Your Family Could be Ingesting
        • A Royal Fix
        • The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
      • June (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
      • May (2)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
      • April (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
      • March (2)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • 4 Advantages to Using Composite Resins for Restoring Teeth
      • February (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Common Types of Tooth Injuries and How to Treat Them
      • January (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Know the Facts to Reduce Your Child's Teething Discomfort
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (55)
  • braces (9)
  • dental sealants (1)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • teething (2)
  • pediatric dentistry (12)
  • oral hygiene (19)
  • dental injury (8)
  • crowns (4)
  • composite resins (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • periodontal disease (2)
  • gum disease (11)
  • medication (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (7)
  • dental implants (14)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • oral health (18)
  • fluoride (3)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • gum recession (2)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • orthodontics (4)
  • dental injuries (1)
  • sensitive teeth (1)
  • apioectomy (1)
  • tooth decay (7)
  • nutrition (3)
  • sugar (2)
  • porcelain veneers (3)
  • thumb sucking (2)
  • toothpaste (1)
  • saliva (1)
  • sedation dentistry (2)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • chipped tooth (3)
  • orthodontic treatment (14)
  • mouthguards (4)
  • flossing (1)
  • teeth whitening (2)
  • bone grafting (3)
  • tooth pain (3)
  • retainers (1)
  • retainer (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • loose tooth (2)
  • oral cancer (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • GERD (1)
  • tooth extraction (1)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • wisdom teeth (2)
  • eating disorder (1)
  • toothache (2)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • dentures (2)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • root canal treatment (4)
  • sealants (1)
  • dental implant (6)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • osteoporosis (1)
  • veneers (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • tooth extractions (1)
  • lingual braces (2)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • root canal (1)
  • dry socket (1)

Categories:

  • Dental Procedures (86)
  • Oral Health (77)

Our Location

330 West Pennsylvania Avenue
Southern Pines, NC 28387
(910) 695-3334

Map & directions


Office hours

Monday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
   

* For your convenience, our office is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the month.

  • Home
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dental Website Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map